In 2021 and 2022, a woman from Garrel became the victim of a so-called love scam crime. She was led to believe by an online acquaintance that she was interested in a romantic relationship. The stranger claimed to be from England and to have suffered a heart attack. He needs money for treatment costs. The woman from Garrel then repeatedly transferred amounts of money in the belief that she could help the man. It was only in the last few weeks that the daughter of the deceived woman finally noticed that it was obviously a case of foul play. The daughter got the case rolling.
The perfidious approach of the fraudsters
In so-called love scams, fraudsters pose as people looking for a relationship on social networks or dating platforms. They often use profile pictures from real accounts or create fake photos. The real people whose images are used often know nothing about it.
The fraudsters build an intimate relationship with their victim through chat messages and possibly calls. Among other things, they send long vows of love. Then it won't be long before the first demands for money are made. Money can be stolen through clever conversation and playing with emotions. Often it's about being able to pay for train or plane tickets, or you're in an emergency situation and need financial support. There seem to be no limits to your imagination.
Victims of Love Scam Crimes: How to Overcome Reporting
For the victims, this can lead to high financial loss, especially over a longer period of time. But the emotional damage can be much greater.
Shame often plays a major role in reporting behavior and it takes a lot of effort for victims to reveal themselves to the police or other trusted people. But it's crucial to report such fraud cases to hold perpetrators accountable and protect other potential victims. The police have special departments to combat cybercrime and love scams.
But how do you recognize these fraudsters?
- You make contact via social networks or dating portals or, for example, send an email with an invitation to a chat. In many cases they would like to continue the conversation on another portal/network.
- They mostly speak and write in good English. But some also speak German.
- The people depicted are usually attractive or show people in special professions or positions (soldiers, doctors, actors, etc.). Women are often only lightly dressed.
- The fraudsters ensnare the victim with extravagant displays of love and show great interest in the person. They often quickly make wedding plans.
- They pretend to have family problems or to be on a business or adventure trip and urgently need money to pay for visas and/or flights. Other fantasy stories are also used to ask for or “borrow” money.
And what should you do if damage has already occurred?
- Ignore further demands and do not give the fraudsters any (further) money.
- Try canceling transfers through the bank.
- Save all emails and chats as evidence.
- Report it to the police.
- Block the contact!
- Don't be ashamed and get help if necessary. Contact people you trust.
Further information can be found here: https://www.polizei-beratung.de/themen-und-tipps/betrug/scamming/
We have also reported on love scamming many times. Further articles and information: HERE
Source:
Press portal
Notes:
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